Client: AAE Technologies

Profile:

AAE Technologies are an OEM of underwater survey and positioning equipment used in the oil & gas, renewables, university research & maritime defence sectors. We have been trading since 1989 exporting globally for 30 years and during this period received two Queen’s Awards for Export. During the latter part of this period a group of companies was formed under AAE Technologies Ltd with Subsidiaries of Applied Acoustic Engineering Ltd (founding company and the manufacturer), Modulus Technology Ltd (service & repair of AAE products) and Ensign Subsea Systems Ltd (Re-sellers of AAE defence products but not actively marketed). All three subsidiaries have Inward Processing Authorisations and two operate export licences for dual use and MIL products.

Problem:

• Since the UK voted to leave the EU, exporting and importing has become very challenging with an additional 27 countries and our overseas customers also confused with import and export procedures, also complicated by operating three subsidiary companies. Areas of concern/questions; included;
• Exporting from two subsidiary companies to one overseas customer at the same time to minimise expense and confusion for customers.
• How to import from one customer to two subsidiary companies again to minimise expense and confusion for customers.
• Temporary exportation of loan or lease goods to the EU & RoW without needing to use ATA Carnets.
• VAT relief for goods imported from EU then repaired and delivered to another address or vessel in the UK
• Determining true value of goods for customs and insurance values on commercial invoices
• Inward Processing and Returned Goods Relief
• Using T1 & T2 transit documents for EU road freight
• CPC codes
• Information to provide to overseas customers prior to return of equipment including value of goods
• Correcting information on commercial invoices for customs clearance if consignor has made a mistake

Solution:

The Department for International Trade provided all the background and questions to The International Trade Consultancy in advance and arranged a 1-2-1 consultation via Teams. Over the course of an hour, all the topics were discussed in detail and solutions provided where available followed by an email with additional useful information and resources.